Many people planning a trip to Krabi ask us about the Emerald Pool, Hot Springs, and Tiger Cave tour-and it’s easy to see why.
This is one of the most popular and well-loved trips in the area. It is simple, close to nature, and suitable for almost everyone, especially families looking for a relaxed day out. It also works well on rainy days, as soaking in the hot springs while it rains is a special experience.
The trip usually covers two main areas. About 1.5 hours from Ao Nang are the Emerald Pool and the Hot Springs, located close to each other, with an easy walk and time to swim. Another stop is the Tiger Cave Temple, where visitors can choose to climb around 1,200 steps to reach the viewpoint.
Because this trip is very popular, especially in high season, some places can be busy.
In this guide, we share what to expect and simple tips to help you enjoy the day at your own pace.
The Emerald Pool - A Natural Pool in the Jungle
A natural, clear turquoise pool with a perfect temperature year-round, in the heart of a green forest with strong, wild nature, within Khao Phra Bang Khram National Park, which includes a walking trail to two more beautiful pools where swimming is not allowed. The walk to the Emerald Pool is easy, accessible, and pleasant (about 800 meters on a paved path). The trail is also stroller-friendly.
The main pool-the Emerald Pool-is open for swimming, and its water is clear and refreshing (about 25 degrees), making it a perfect escape from the Thai heat.
Our tip: Don’t skip the additional short walk (about 10 minutes) to the nearby “Blue Pool.” This is a pool with a unique and beautiful blue color! Swimming is not allowed, but it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in the park. We recommend visiting it before you enter the Emerald Pool, because after a refreshing dip, who has the energy to keep walking wet?
The Hot Springs
The hot springs have warm water, about 35-40°C. The water comes from the ground and flows slowly over rocks and tree roots.
There are many natural pools. Each pool is a little different in depth and temperature.
Sitting in the water feels like a natural jacuzzi. You are surrounded by trees and green plants.
The hot springs are inside a park and are easy to reach. The walk from the entrance is short, about 5-10 minutes, on a clear and easy path.
Even on hot days, the hot springs feel nice. The trees give shade, the water keeps moving, and the place feels calm and relaxing.
Tiger Cave Temple
Let’s keep it simple.
Just ask yourself one question:
“Do we want to climb 1,260 steps today?”
The climb is not easy. But at the top, you will see a beautiful view and a big Buddha statue.
At the bottom of the mountain, there is the main temple area. This is where the Tiger Cave is. The temple is active and has many visitors. There are easy walking paths, statues, and many monkeys.
Be careful with food and drinks. Monkeys often jump and take them.
In our opinion, the main highlight is the view from the top, not the cave itself.
If you plan to climb, we suggest starting your day here, before visiting the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs. After the climb, you can relax and swim. This is easier than climbing when you are already tired or wet.
Wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. Bring water and a hat.
Take your time, rest when needed, and walk at your own pace.
So what’s the best way to do this trip?
Here’s where our expertise comes in. There are two main ways to experience this day:
Option 1: Organized Group Tour
The standard option, a shared van with up to 12 participants, hotel pickup around 8:00. There are two main versions
A: Half-day tour-includes the Emerald Pool, Hot Springs, and a Thai buffet-style lunch.
B: Full-day tour-also includes the climb to the Tiger Cave.
Keep in mind that a shared tour follows a fixed route and schedule, including travel times.
Option 2 (our style): Private Tour-at Your Own Pace
You can choose to do the classic tour with a private driver who won’t limit you to tight schedules in each park.
Or-here we use our experience as locals to turn the classic route into a more personal, relaxed, and flowing experience-a tour in our style.
From our experience : combining the challenging climb to the Tiger Cave with the other sites can make the day long and tiring. That’s why we created the route a little differently, which we believe makes the best use of your time:
This is what a private tour day in “Vibe style” looks like:
Start with a “wow”-instead of the tough climb to the viewpoint at the Tiger Cave, we begin the day with a drive to a special and beautiful viewpoint, with a short and easy walk. The panoramic view from above, with a fresh fruit shake in hand, is simply the perfect way to open your appetite for Krabi’s nature.
Continue with dips-from there, we’ll drive to the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs, where you can enjoy the water and the nature.
End with a taste of more-instead of the meal offered on group tours, we simply give you a selection of our recommended restaurants to choose from. Whether you want excellent Thai food or Western cuisine, there are plenty of places worth visiting if you already have a private driver, ending the day with a great evening. (The private tour does not include meals at the restaurant.)
This way, the tour to the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs becomes an excellent choice for those who want to experience these beautiful sites calmly, without the pressure of a group, and with our personal touch that guarantees a truly enjoyable and memorable day.
We think we’ve answered most of the questions that are usually asked and hope we’ve made things a bit clearer to help you plan your trip to Krabi.
Want to go on a tour to the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs? We’d be happy to organize it for you!
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Emerald Pool, Hot Springs and Tiger Cave
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